A Pathway of Adversity
Chapter 56
Weeks passed, turning into months and though not completely happy, Charlie was mildly content by the end of three months. Angelo Rosetta had turned into a good and genuine friend to Charlie and her sister Ruby. He spent most weekends with them when work commitments allowed, and if it didn't, kept in regular contact with Charlie by phone. When they were together, Angelo spoke of his new role within the police force. He was working with young kids; minors who had been abused in one form or another by adults who were no better than the dirt under their feet. He spoke of young characters that had seen a side to life which, no child should ever see, but marvelled in their resolve to make a better existence for themselves. Though often sickened by the things he heard or saw, he had found a vocation to suit his energy – not perhaps the big, flashy number with a fat wage packet, but a vocation that meant something and where, perhaps, he could do some real good.
Every morning, Charlie thought of Joey Collins; the girl who had drifted into her life, saved her, and drifted away into the mist. She couldn't accept that she had been blessed with Joey's love just to have it snatched away again after such a brief time. She accepted that pathways crossed from time to time and the people encountered along the way had a significant reason for touching a life, however short the duration, but Joey Collins was different! Joey had touched her like no other. Joey was the glove to Charlie's hand. Joey was her better self; her soul-mate. Their pathways had been destined, always, to journey together. Charlie was lost. She missed the close, warm familiarity of love; the intimacy, both physical and emotional. She wondered if she would ever be blessed with them again.
"Charlie."
Charlie looked around in surprise.
"Ang'! I didn't expect to see you today! What brings you home mid-week?"
Angelo sighed and sat down uninvited at her kitchen table.
"Oh Charlie! I saw the most hideous sight last night." He whispered, dropping his face into his hands.
Charlie walked quickly to his side and joined him at the table.
"What's wrong, Ang'?"
"Babies... Two of them! Tortured beyond belief! What monster could do that?!"
His words were barely audible as he started to sob.
Charlie put her arms around her distressed friend. Angelo held her tight until his tears abated.
"I'm sorry Charlie! I guess I just needed someone to unload on."
"Hey! Shush... Who better than me? Do you wanna talk about it?"
Angelo shook his head.
"Don't think I can at the moment. I sometimes wonder how one human could do such a thing to a small, defenceless..."
His tears began again and Charlie hugged him tighter.
"Don't torment yourself, honey." Charlie whispered, stroking Angelo's hair.
"I'm so sorry, Charlie... I... I don't know what I'd do, if I didn't have you!"
Charlie smiled. She was pleased Angelo had come to her in his hour of need. It made her feel special and wanted. Their eyes lingered for a moment; both registering a want of being held, to be close, to be special. They rose and Charlie took Angelo's hand, leading him to her bedroom...
The passion, now sated, left them both feeling ill at ease. Charlie closed her eyes, wishing the day had never happened and Angelo, embarrassed and uncomfortable. The sex had been successful in swamping one problem, but like a phoenix from the ashes, rose to create a whole new assortment of emotions.
"Charlie... We shouldn't have..."
"I know." Charlie replied, bitterly.
"I didn't mean for it to happen... It just..."
"It's too late now, Ang'. It's happened."
Angelo Rosetta swallowed. He sat up and ran his fingers through his hair.
"So what now?" He asked nervously.
"Nothing."
"We can't just ignore what's happened, Charlie! It's happened and..."
"Angelo! It's happened. Let's just forget it!"
Angelo opened his mouth to say more but the bedroom door opened to reveal a rather surprised Ruby. She slammed the door and fled to the safety of her own room.
"Oh Geez!" Angelo muttered, hastening out of bed and grabbing his shorts. "I'd better be making tracks..."
Suddenly he stopped.
"Charlie? Will, this make trouble between you and Ruby?"
Charlie looked anxiously toward the bedroom door.
"I dunno." She muttered. "She'll probably slate me for being fickle – one minute mourning the loss of Joey Collins and then shagging my ex."
"Charlie... Will you let me speak to Ruby?"
Charlie turned and stared at Angelo.
"I just want to explain things to her. I don't want her to feel that anyone is to blame here."
He finished dressing and walked to Charlie who was sitting on the edge of her bed. He knelt before her and took her hands.
"Charlie. We both needed someone tonight... to blank out the hateful things in life. I love you Charlie, but I love you as my very, very best friend."
Charlie looked into his eyes and saw that his sentiment was genuine.
"Are we ok?"
Charlie smiled and nodded.
"Thanks Ang'. I love you too."
"She'll return some day, Charlie. Who wouldn't? She'll sort herself out and then come right back here and beg to be with you. And if she doesn't, then she's a bigger fool than I gave her credit for!" He smiled.
"Thanks Ang'... I just hope you're right."
"Now Charlie... You know I'm always right! After all... I'm a man!"
"Big head!"
Angelo laughed.
"Right... I'd better go and put things right with little sister!" He said, raising his eyebrows.
"Good luck." Charlie chuckled.